Our Summary

This research paper was about a study that tested the effectiveness of a product called Chitogel in reducing infections after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). ESS is a procedure used to unblock the sinuses, but sometimes patients can get infections afterwards.

The researchers conducted a trial with 25 patients who had ESS. They applied Chitogel to one side of the patients’ sinuses after the surgery and left the other side as is, to compare the results.

Patients were then checked at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after the surgery. The researchers measured the opening of the sinuses, took swabs to check for infections, and checked the balance of bacteria in the nose.

They found that the side with the Chitogel had significantly better results. The sinuses looked better, remained more open, and there were fewer infections compared to the untreated side. The Chitogel side also had a healthier balance of bacteria, with more of the beneficial types present.

So, the study concluded that Chitogel can significantly improve the recovery process after ESS by reducing infections and helping to restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the nose.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of using Chitogel after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS)?
  2. How was the effectiveness of Chitogel tested in this study?
  3. What improvements were observed in patients who had Chitogel applied after their ESS?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about sinus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely. This may include keeping the nasal passages clean, avoiding activities that could increase the risk of infection, and taking any prescribed medications as directed. Additionally, using products like Chitogel, as shown in this study, may help reduce the risk of infections and promote a faster recovery. It’s important to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome after sinus surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended sinus surgery include those who have chronic sinusitis that does not respond to other treatments, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, tumors or growths in the sinuses, or sinus infections that keep coming back. Additionally, patients with severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, facial pain or pressure, and frequent headaches may also be candidates for sinus surgery.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  • Patient experiences chronic sinusitis symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, congestion, and difficulty breathing
  • Patient undergoes consultation and evaluation by an ENT specialist
  • ENT specialist recommends sinus surgery as a treatment option
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery

After sinus surgery:

  • Patient undergoes endoscopic sinus surgery to unblock the sinuses and improve airflow
  • Chitogel is applied to one side of the sinuses after surgery, while the other side remains untreated
  • Patient is monitored at 2, 6, and 12 weeks post-surgery for evaluation
  • Researchers measure sinus opening, take swabs for infection, and assess bacterial balance in the nose
  • Side treated with Chitogel shows significantly better results, with improved sinus appearance, fewer infections, and healthier bacterial balance
  • Study concludes that Chitogel can enhance the recovery process after sinus surgery by reducing infections and promoting a healthy nasal environment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about sinus surgery include:

  1. What is the purpose of the surgery and what specific issues will it address?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sinus surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of surgery?
  6. How experienced is the surgeon in performing sinus surgery and what is their success rate?
  7. Will I need any special post-operative care or medications after the surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to prevent complications or infections after the surgery?
  9. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery and how will it improve my sinus symptoms?
  10. Are there any specific products or treatments, such as Chitogel, that could be used to improve the recovery process and reduce the risk of infections?

Reference

Authors: Megow A, Alsuliman Y, Bouras G, Menberu M, Vyskocil E, Vreugde S, Wormald PJ. Journal: Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2022 Nov;12(11):1362-1376. doi: 10.1002/alr.23001. Epub 2022 Apr 7. PMID: 35319832